My wife and I were first-time cruisers on Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas for a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise with ports in RCI's private resort, Labadee, Haiti, and the relatively new port of Falmouth, Jamaica. We booked our cruise online with a deal RCI was offering to citizens of our state.

We chose not to book through RCI for our airline, finding that, with airline points I'd accumulated, it was cheaper just to book separately. We flew into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International at 11:25 PM and were at the port by about 12:30. Porters were there to take our luggage from us and get them to our rooms before we proceeded into the cruise terminal.

While there was a line, it was moving quickly, and we made it through the security checkpoint with little difficulty. After security, we got in line by deck number to check-in and get our Seapass cards. The representative was friendly and helpful, though I also say it's MUCH easier just to have all items necessary with you as you approach the counter, that is, your SetSail Pass, the credit card you wish to use for billing, and your citizenship documents (either a passport or, on a closed loop cruise like this one, your driver's license and birth certificate). We chose the latter route, and it didn't take us any longer to be processed. The Seapass card you are given serves as your room key, identification, and credit card while you're on the ship. It's nice having an all-in-one utility but you have to make sure you have it with you at all times. Read more